Visit to Cofradía de la Sierra

Wine Explorers Uruguay
Aug 26
2 min read

On August 16 we enjoyed a truly special experience with Wine Explorers: we visited Cofradía de la Sierra in Pueblo Edén, Maldonado. We were welcomed with open arms, toured the facilities, and shared a delicious lunch prepared by guest chef Leonardo Etxea, paired with the winery’s Atlantic wines. It was an intimate, authentic day—surrounded by wonderful people, great food, and exceptional wines.

Last Saturday, August 16, we visited a winery we love: Cofradía de la Sierra.

Located in Maldonado, in the Sierra de Carapé near Pueblo Edén, it’s about 2.5 hours from Montevideo. Its name “Cofradía de la Sierra, reflects the spirit of a group of friends united by a common purpose: to make the best wine possible.

The public faces of the project are Alejandro Chertkoff (director) and his wife Stella Fernández, who leads Fina, a handloom-knit merino wool garment project; Federico Baccino, agronomist; and winemaker Fiorella Faggiani, named Revelation Winemaker of the Year 2023 by Descorchados.

The land was acquired in 2020, and the first harvest took place in January 2023. The estate grows Albariño, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.

On our exclusive visit for Wine Explorers, Alejandro and Stella welcomed us, we toured the winery, and then enjoyed a spectacular lunch by guest chef Leonardo Etxea, a leading figure in Basque cuisine in Punta del Este for more than 15 years. Every course was a delight, and the live-cooked paella stole the show.

The menu was designed specifically to pair with the winery’s Atlantic wines—Albariño, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Pinot Noir, and Merlot—creating a truly wine-and-food experience.

It was one of those days we explorers treasure: a deeply special, authentic, and intimate visit where, beyond being surrounded by wonderful people, we savored exquisite food and excellent wines, with views over the Sierras de Carapé. What more could we ask for?

Thank you for welcoming us so warmly, we all felt it.And of course, endless thanks to the multicultural group that joined us. Nothing would be possible without you.

Pure joy!